ISU Cyclone Faces Felony Assault for January 2011 Incident

A 23-year-old  student and former football player has been charged with felony assault for allegedly striking a woman in the face, knocking her unconscious and breaking her facial bones in January of 2011, according to criminal complaints.

Earl Brooks, a senior in communication studies, was charged with assault causing serious injury, a Class D felony, on Monday, though police took the assault report right after it happened.

According to complaints, Brooks pushed a woman in the face and then struck her in the face early Jan. 16, 2011 at , 2401 Chamberlain St. The woman he was arguing with was knocked unconscious and suffered broken facial bones, the complaint said.

Story County Attorney's office did not immediately return a message seeking comment about the case.

According to an article on GoCyclones.com, Brooks was a safety on the Iowa State football team but he didn't appear in any games this season because he was injured in training camp. He is no longer considered a football player because the last game took place Dec. 30 and Brooks is a senior, said Athletic department spokesman Tom Kroeschell.

A Class D Felony is punishable by five years in prison. An order to issue a warrant was filed on Dec. 2, according to court records. Brooks was served a warrant on Monday. He was being held in the Story County Jail, and posted a $10,000 cash or surety bond and was released on Tuesday, court records show.

Brooks was contacted for comment but did not return messages.